Friend of Man Shot Dead by Police: I Wish I Would Have Been There for Him

Editor’s note:  This letter regards the Aug. 19 killing of Andrew Yacko,  the first officer-involved shooting death in La Mesa since 2002. The case is still under investigation, La Mesa police say. Police Lt. Dan Willis also told Patch: “To my knowledge, we have not received any formal complaint about how this case has been handled.”

To the editor:

I’m sure the shooting was justified. Don’t point shotguns at the police. I have no ill feelings towards the LMPD.
 
Andy was that one friend of yours who would give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his pocket. Strong morals. Strong loyalty. Humble. Drug free. I posted the following comment on my Facebook:
 
Don’t let your friends lose touch. At 36, I have let a lot disappear. This event happened just 1 month ago. I have tried to find him the past few years. He wasn't an Internet connected dude so it was difficult. I could have tried harder. Life happens.

I have recently rekindled many friendships. One being John ***** from my HS, Valhalla. I didn’t make it to Andy and I regret it more than anything on Earth. Maybe I could have been there, maybe I would of by chance called him that night and hung out. I could have listened. Perhaps I would have seen the signs and grounded him. I can only learn from this—don't wait. Don’t be lazy. Keep your friends close and never let them lose touch.
 
That’s my story. An old friend of Andy’s who had his own life and let go of his friends. My life is perfect. My job is great. My wife is great. Our finances are fine. My children are healthy. It’s luck. My friend didn’t have this luck and I feel guilty. I wish I would have been there for him. I wish I could have had an effect on his life to deflect this.
 
Chris Schneider
Santee